Happy Monday after a spectacular long weekend. The weather may not have been the best but we had an amazing time. Canada Day in Ottawa celebrating the 150th birthday on Saturday. Followed by the very first Canadian Inter-provincial Picnic on the Bridge.
Taking a cue from a very successful event in Sydney Australia, Outaouais and Ottawa Tourism partnered together for this amazing event. Tickets sold out in minites but I was lucky enough to receive four tickets and a basket of regional goodies from a fun Twitter Party this spring. Thank you Tourisme Outaouais for a fantastic prize and a very great day.
Picnic on the Bridge
On July 2, 2017, residents and visitors from both sides of the Ottawa River came together to enjoy a Canadian first: an Interprovincial Picnic on the Alexandra Bridge.
The event featured entertainment, baguettes from Ace Bakery, commemorative picnic blankets from CIBC and one of the most breathtaking views in the region.
The Picnic on the Bridge was a breathtaking and memorable way to celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary, as the historic Royal Alexandra Bridge was be transformed into a lush green haven. Families and friends gathered together to picnic on the grass and enjoy majestic views of the Ottawa River.
Kent and I invited close friends and we all came together to celebrate the occasion. We may have gone a tad bit overboard on the food, especially after receiving the gift basket. It was so fun to look up and down the bridge at all of the family celebrations. Each group unique in their picnics and the company. I thought we were going to be the cutesy ones with our little wicket baskets but it appears a majority of folks had the same idea. What an amazing array of picnic baskets.
Sod
Of special note,the sod for this event was donated by Manderley Turf Products Inc., a Canadian leader in lawn and garden products. Following the picnic, the sod will be re-used on other community projects. How cool is that.
Regional Goodies
I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the tasty delights I received from the gourmet artisans of Quebec. And apologies that I did not get an amazing shot of my basket before we devoured the goodies. The basket contained a pulled pork sandwich and jerky from la Ferme Brylee, croissant and salad from Biscotti & Cie, Homemade Soda from Jack’s Soda, Sparkling Apple Juice from Verger Croque-Pomme, Pate from Ferme Aux saveurs des monts.
A tasty apricot and peach maple spread and Brie from Trappe a Fromage de l’Outaouis, maple fudge from Confiserie Wakefield, spreads from Miss Marmelade and a mouth watering cupcake and truffle from Delices Sublimes.
Picnic Spots
Every picnic area was and 8 x 8 square. The spots were all clearly marked and the perfect size for a family picnic. The number of people depended on each individual group but everyone over the age of two needed their own ticket. We had spot G2-114 almost to the center. Next year I hope to get picnic spot in the very middle but honestly all spots offer a fantastic view. Mark your calendars because hopefully this will be an annual event.
Volunteers
Kudo’s to the volunteers, this truly was one of the best organized events I have attended. Everyone was friendly and very willing to accommodate requests. I loved the fact that volunteers were walking up and down the bridge offering to take pictures for everyone. I mean seriously folks this was a once in a lifetime event. Thanks to everyone who gave of their time to help make this event the success it was.
Inter-Povincial
We were at the 11:00 sitting and were thus privileged to watch the two premiers cross the bridge. The Premier of Quebec and the Premier of Ontario started at their respective side of the bridge and meet mid way. We were on the Quebec side so we had the opportunity to meet the honourable Philippe Couillard. Premier Kathleen Wynn started from Ottawa and greeted those on that end of the bridge.
Snowbirds
One surprise was the appearance of the Aircraft and the Snowbirds show. Canada Day the weather interrupted the airshow so we had a ringside seat for the show.
Family Friendly
This was deemed a family friendly event and thus no alcohol was permitted. While alcohol does not add nor distract from any event I truly would have liked to be able to sip a glass of white with our lovely picnic. If I could make one recommendation it would be to allow each picnic spot maybe one bottle of wine and a beer/cider for each of-age picnicer. This is not a criticism at all but it would have been a lovely addition. As a reult, we had sparkling water and homemade soda so we were fine.
I would like to thank Ottawa Tourism and Tourisme-Outauois for a lovely day spent in the capital.
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